Caritas in Action: Intent, Implementation & Impact Statement

Intent

At St Bernard’s RC Primary School, we live out our mission “To grow together in faith, love and learning, walking in the footsteps of Christ” by ensuring that Caritas in Action is central to our Catholic Life and Mission. We believe that faith in action is at the heart of the Gospel and that every child is called to make a positive difference in the world. Through Caritas in Action, we seek to nurture pupils who live with compassion, act with integrity, and strive for justice — following the example of Jesus Christ.

Our Caritas in Action curriculum enables children to:

- Recognise the dignity and worth of every person, made in the image and likeness of God.

- Understand Catholic Social Teaching (CST) and how it inspires faith-filled action.

- Develop empathy, service, and social responsibility.

- Respond to local and global issues with courage, creativity, and hope.

- Build God’s Kingdom through acts of love, generosity, and stewardship.

- Live as missionary disciples, ready to challenge injustice and care for creation.

Caritas in Action at St Bernard’s is structured around the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching:

- Dignity of the Human Person – Each person is precious and deserves respect and care.

- Family and Community – We grow and flourish together in relationship and love.

- Solidarity and the Common Good – We stand with others and work for justice and peace.

- Dignity of Work – Work is participation in God’s creative action.

- Rights and Responsibilities – We protect the rights and wellbeing of all.

- Option for the Poor and Vulnerable – We place the needs of the most vulnerable first.

- Stewardship of God’s Creation – We care for our common home and value the gift of creation.

Implementation

Caritas in Action is woven throughout our curriculum, worship, and community engagement. It provides the framework for living out Catholic Social Teaching in practical, meaningful ways.

• Whole-School Approach:

Caritas in Action is not a standalone initiative but integrated into every aspect of school life — curriculum, collective worship, and community engagement.

• Curriculum Integration:

Each class explores Caritas themes through dedicated lessons and projects, integrated into RE, PSHE, Geography, History, Science, and Collective Worship.

• Prayer and Reflection:

All Caritas learning is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Pupils reflect on how their learning leads to action and how faith inspires moral choices.

• Action Projects:

Each year group undertakes practical projects to live out their faith in service — supporting charities, leading environmental work, and promoting kindness and inclusion.

• Collective Worship and Celebration:

Caritas themes are reflected in liturgies and assemblies, particularly during Advent and Lent, celebrating how faith leads to action.

• Pupil Leadership:

Groups such as the Mini Vinnies, School Council, Eco Team, and Faith Leaders champion social justice, leading and evaluating charitable initiatives.

• Partnerships:

The school works closely with Caritas Diocese of Salford, CAFOD, and parish and community groups to provide outreach opportunities.

• Staff Formation:

Staff receive formation and professional development to ensure a shared understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and faith in action.

• Family Engagement:

Parents and carers participate through Stay & Pray, charity events, and service projects, reinforcing the Caritas message at home.

Impact

Through Caritas in Action, children at St Bernard’s grow as faith-filled, active citizens who understand that living their faith means acting with love and justice in the world.

- Speak confidently about Catholic Social Teaching and how it shapes their worldview.

- Demonstrate compassion, empathy, and moral integrity in their relationships and decisions.

- Take responsibility for their actions and recognise their power to bring about positive change.

- Engage in acts of service that promote dignity, inclusion, and hope.

- Show understanding of local and global issues and respond to them through prayer and action.

- Celebrate diversity and respect all people as brothers and sisters in God’s family.

- Value and care for creation as stewards of God’s world.

The impact of Caritas in Action is seen in pupils’ actions, relationships, moral understanding, and joyful participation in faith. It shapes a community where every member lives out the Gospel daily — serving others with humility and love.

Biblical Reflection

“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

— 1 John 3:18

This verse embodies the heart of Caritas in Action — a faith that is not passive but active; a love that is not spoken only, but lived out through kindness, justice, and service.

Prayer and Liturgy: Intent, Implementation & Impact Statement

Intent

At St Bernard’s RC Primary School, prayer and liturgy lie at the heart of our Catholic life. They are the living expression of our faith and the heartbeat of our community, guiding us as we walk together in love and service. Our intent is to create a prayerful, inclusive, and joyful environment where all members of our school family can encounter Christ, deepen their relationship with God, and live out the Gospel message in their daily lives.

Through prayer, worship, and reflection, we seek to:

- Place Christ at the centre of all we do, recognising His presence in our school and our hearts.

- Nurture a spiritual life that is vibrant, contemplative, and rooted in Scripture and Catholic tradition.

- Develop every child’s confidence in leading and participating in prayer and liturgy.

- Ensure that worship is inclusive, inviting participation from pupils of all faiths and none, while maintaining our Catholic identity.

- Embed prayer into the rhythm of the school day, linking our prayer life to The St Bernard’s Way — our model for living with respect, kindness, forgiveness, and love.

- Celebrate the liturgical year with reverence, creativity, and joy.

- Strengthen connections between home, school, and parish, fostering unity in worship.

Our prayer life and liturgical practice are supported by Ten:Ten Resources, which structure collective worship, and The Mark 10 Mission, providing engaging Gospel reflections and opportunities for children to grow in discipleship.

Implementation

Prayer and Liturgy at St Bernard’s are planned, inclusive, and deeply rooted in the rhythm of the Church’s year. They provide rich opportunities for encounter, reflection, celebration, and mission.

• Daily Prayer:

Prayer forms the foundation of each day through morning offering, grace before and after meals, and end-of-day reflection. Each classroom includes a prayer area reflecting the liturgical season. Pupil-led prayer is encouraged from EYFS upwards, connecting daily prayer to The St Bernard’s Way values of respect, kindness, forgiveness, and love.

• Collective Worship:

Whole-school, Key Stage, and Class Worship follow a weekly structure using Ten:Ten Collective Worship resources. The Mark 10 Mission is used regularly to reflect on the Gospel and Christian discipleship. Children and staff plan and lead acts of worship which include Scripture, prayer, song, and reflection, supported by ongoing staff formation.

• Celebration of the Liturgical Year:

The school celebrates major liturgical seasons and feast days with creativity and reverence, including Advent, Lent, Easter, and the Feast of St Bernard. Prayer areas and displays change seasonally, helping pupils to recognise the rhythms of the liturgical calendar. Family liturgies and parish events strengthen unity in faith.

• Mass and Sacramental Life:

The school attends Mass regularly at St Bernard’s Church, celebrating key feasts and Holy Days. Children’s understanding of the Mass is developed through class liturgies and reflection. The Parish Priest provides pastoral support and leads school worship, helping pupils prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.

• Integration of Prayer into The St Bernard’s Way:

The St Bernard’s Way — respect, kindness, forgiveness, and love — underpins all prayer and reflection. Weekly worship themes and class prayers connect directly to these Gospel values, guiding pupils to live out their faith in words and actions.

• Community and Family Engagement:

Parents and carers are invited to Stay & Pray sessions, Masses, and liturgies. The school shares Ten:Ten Home Worship and family prayer resources to encourage prayer beyond school. Pupils’ prayers and reflections are shared through displays, newsletters, and assemblies.

Impact

Through our vibrant and reflective approach to prayer and liturgy, the children of St Bernard’s grow in faith, confidence, and love. Prayer becomes not just a moment of stillness but a way of life — one that guides behaviour, inspires compassion, and deepens each child’s relationship with God.

- Understand the power and purpose of prayer in everyday life.

- Participate reverently and joyfully in acts of collective worship and Mass.

- Show respect and attentiveness during times of prayer and reflection.

- Lead and compose prayers with confidence and understanding.

- Speak knowledgeably about the liturgical year and key celebrations.

- Reflect on how The St Bernard’s Way values shape their spiritual and moral choices.

- Demonstrate love, forgiveness, and compassion in their daily actions.

- Recognise the unity between home, school, and parish as a community of faith and service.

The impact of prayer and liturgy is visible in the joy, reverence, and unity experienced in worship, and in the spiritual awareness shown by pupils and staff. Prayer is woven into daily life and relationships, ensuring The St Bernard’s Way is lived out in faith, hope, and love.

Biblical Reflection

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

— Romans 12:12

This verse reminds us that prayer sustains us in all moments of life. At St Bernard’s, prayer strengthens our faith, shapes our relationships, and inspires us to walk in love and hope, following Christ’s example each day.

Intent

At St Bernard’s RC Primary School, we believe that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and is worthy of love, respect, and belonging. Our school community is a family — diverse, inclusive, and united in our shared mission: “To grow together in faith, love and learning, walking in the footsteps of Christ.” Our intent is to ensure that every child and family who joins St Bernard’s feels welcomed, valued, and celebrated — regardless of faith, background, or culture. We strive to build a community that reflects the universal nature of the Church: one that recognises diversity as a gift, strengthens unity, and promotes peace.

We aim to:

- Celebrate the rich diversity of our school community as a reflection of God’s creative love.

- Ensure that every child feels seen, safe, respected, and included.

- Teach that differences are strengths to be understood and cherished.

- Embed the principles of Catholic Social Teaching — particularly dignity of the human person, solidarity, and the common good.

- Promote a deep respect for the beliefs, traditions, and cultures of all people.

- Encourage children to be global citizens, aware of their role in creating a just and peaceful world.

- Ensure that our faith identity inspires openness, hospitality, and love, rather than division or exclusion.

Implementation

At St Bernard’s, inclusion is not a policy — it is a lived reality that shapes our curriculum, relationships, and culture. Our mission to welcome and celebrate all faiths, backgrounds, and cultures is achieved through a consistent and intentional approach across the whole school.

• Curriculum and Teaching:

The curriculum is broad, balanced, and inclusive, representing diverse voices, histories, and contributions. RE lessons teach pupils about other world faiths including Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, developing understanding and respect. Thematic weeks such as Interfaith Week, Black History Month, and World Culture Day highlight global heritage and promote cross-cultural understanding.

• Catholic Social Teaching and Gospel Values:

The Caritas in Action framework ensures pupils understand the Church’s call to inclusion and social justice. Children learn the Seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching, especially Dignity of the Human Person and Solidarity and the Common Good. Gospel values such as love, forgiveness, and hospitality are lived daily through The St Bernard’s Way.

• Relationships and School Culture:

The school environment reflects diversity and faith through displays, artwork, and multilingual welcome signs. Assemblies and worship include reflections on unity, justice, and global harmony. Circle time, restorative conversations, and PSHE lessons promote empathy, kindness, and respect for others’ experiences.

• Celebration and Community:

School events and worship honour and celebrate the cultures, languages, and heritages of all families. Families are invited to share traditions, food, and music that enrich the school community. Parish and community links foster unity between school, church, and local faith groups.

• Staff Formation and Leadership:

Staff receive training in inclusive practice, cultural awareness, and unconscious bias. Leaders monitor curriculum representation and resource choices to ensure they reflect diversity and equality. The RE Lead and Catholic Life Coordinator ensure that inclusion is a lived expression of our faith.

Impact

Through our commitment to embracing all faiths, backgrounds, and cultures, the children and families of St Bernard’s experience what it truly means to live in a Christian community — one that embodies love, justice, and peace.

- Demonstrate respect, empathy, and compassion for others, regardless of difference.

- Speak confidently about diversity as a strength and a reflection of God’s love.

- Recognise the common values shared across different faiths and cultures.

- Celebrate their own identity while appreciating the richness of others’ traditions.

- Understand the importance of inclusion and equality in building a just world.

- Live out The St Bernard’s Way through kindness, forgiveness, and unity.

- Be active citizens who contribute positively to school, parish, and society.

The impact is visible in the harmony, respect, and joy that define daily life at St Bernard’s. Visitors comment on the warmth and welcome of the school community, and pupil voice reflects a strong sense of belonging, dignity, and shared purpose.

Biblical Reflection

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

— Galatians 3:28

This scripture reminds us that in God’s family, unity and love transcend difference. At St Bernard’s, we walk together as brothers and sisters in Christ — celebrating the richness of our diversity and the beauty of God’s creation in every person.